Tuesday, June 30, 2009

By now many of you know that "My Big Break" was accepted into Acefest (The American Cinematic Experience Festival) that takes place in New York City. We just won "Best Documentary at Artsfest in Pennsylvania and just got our official acceptance into a fantastic, prestigious festival in Britain (more about that soon) so the movie is really picking up steam.

We're pushing very hard to get a good audience for the screening in New York - we're trying to sell out the theater - so if you know anyone who might be interested in attending please let them know ASAP!

Our screening is on July 11th at 7:20 pm at the Tribeca Cinemas. Tickets are just $10. Here's the link to the movie's Acefest page. There's a trailer and synopsis there and a link to buy tickets.

Also, there's a cool film industry networking party happening the night before our screening at the hip Luxe in Manhattan. Anyone who buys a ticket to My Big Break can get into the party free if they show their tix. Here's that link.

We really need your help getting the word out so please let everyone know!

Monday, June 29, 2009

There's nothing quite like seeing a manly man cry to make me choke up. There have been episodes of Supernatural where I could barely see the TV screen through tears, and Jared and Jensen always manage to make those scenes seem very real -- not overacted at all. Some of the ones that got to me:

1. "Heart" -- This one is probably the most heart-wrenching for me, despite the fact that Sam hadn't known Madison long. He'd finally allowed himself to feel something for a woman again, only to lose her. And the fact that he had to be the one to kill her, that she asked him to because she knew the beast she harbored inside...man, how awful. It was extra awful because Madison, in her human phase, was a good person.

2. "No Rest for the Wicked" -- After an entire season of desperately searching for a way to get Dean out of his deal with the demon, Sam has failed. He cries as he holds his dead brother in his arms.

3. "On the Head of a Pin" -- At the end of the episode, Castiel reveals that Dean broke the first of the 66 Seals and that he has to be the one to stop Lucifer. With tears in his eyes, Dean tells Castiel he can't do it, it's too much, he's not strong enough. You get the feeling that this might be the moment that Dean finally cracks from too much pressure, too much bad stuff and responsibility for mankind's welfare.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Well, here we are. Deep into the summer, but really just starting. The premiere of season five is sooooo far away!

So how do you cope? Some of the typical fan coping mechanisms are:

1. Re-watch the first three seasons--four if you DVRed and kept the last one.

2. Keep up with goings on with the Supernatural official magazine by Titan.

3. Read the Season Companions for the first three seasons, and all the companion books. Depending on how fast a reader you are and how much time you have, this can get you through the whole summer!

4. Read or re-read the comic books and novelizations.

Let's face it, though, we've a lot of that already, having suffered through three summer hiatuses and way too many mid-season breaks, not to mention the writer's strike. So how else can we make it through?

Immerse Yourself in the Beauty

The season 4 DVD cover art is out, so you can download that, print it 150 times, and wallpaper your room with it.

Or you could bid on Supernatural posters on eBay. 39 came up in my search, and some were at well below-market prices.

Venture Beyond

It's a joke that Jared and Jensen do a lot of horror movies between seasons, and some of us can't handle that without a lot of support (i.e. taking a gaggle of friends to the theater). But Devour, House of Wax, Friday the 13th, and My Bloody Valentine aren't the only other options out there. Give Gilmore Girls a try, and marvel at how Jared's boyish mannerisms haven't changed, regardless of how much he has. Check out Dark Angel for a much more happy-go-lucky Jensen, or Smallville season 4 (though I have to warn you, most of his scenes are with Lana *gag*).

And in the dark, lonely days of early September, when you're desperate and don't think you'll make it, go ahead. Give in. Rent New York Minute and Blonde. It'll be okay--no one else has to know.

Let the Fandom Get You Through

There is fanfic galore out there, everything from canon-focused, general fiction to hard-core slash. But that's not all. There are cartoons, stop-action doll theater, and many other creative outlets (themed picture sets, videos). Even laundry lists! A great place to start is Supernatural Wiki, which links to fan offerings.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

I'm posting this for Tanya, whose computer just didn't want to play nice with her.

Okay, so this post owes its inspiration to stuff like this (warning, MAJOR spoilers for the movie Serenity, and major funny if you've already seen it). But still, here we are floating in the still dead waters of summer hiatus, so I thought we could all use the recap (and, possibly, the laugh).

Sam and Dean Winchester (this far) in 1,000 words or less:

Interior, somewhat creepy nursery, enter Mommy Winchester.

Mom: WTF?

Baby Sam: Waaahhhh!

Late arrival Daddy Winchester: DEAN! Take care of your brother.

Flash to present day.

Sam: I hear a noise.

Dean: I came for a beer, LOVE the Smurfs, BTW. Come help me solve our father's disappearance.

Sam: Dude.

Conversation, Exposition, Woman in White with Creepy Kids, cut back to Jessica on the ceiling, and Grown Up Sam having a full-circle WTF moment?

Sam: Consider me back in the game til we find Dad and this yellow-eyed bastard.

Many episodes later, find Daddy Winchester. And fabled Colt. YAY!All three Winchester men run off road. BOO!Cut to hospital with Dean and Reaper and Daddy Winchester making deal with Yellow-Eyed Demon.

Daddy W's final words (more or less): DEAN! Take care of your brother.Even if that means "take care of" in the mafia sense.

Dean (internal monologue): WTF?

Moving right along in season 2.

Dean: Do not mock me, airplanes crash.

Sam: And apparently clowns KILL. Hey, should we check out that roadhouse?

Dean: Uh, Sam? Could use a little help here with the pint-sized blonde.

Pint-sized blonde (aka Jo Harvelle): Take me with you! I want to hunt!

Dean: Even as I wander, I'm keeping you in sight. You're a candle in the-

Sam: WTF?

Dean: Never mind. Have you met my new buddy Gordon?

Sam: Nice to m-

Gordon (with much menace and foreshadowing): Evil things must DIE!

Dean (considerably later): Sam, are you drunk? (followed by, even later than that) He full on Obi-waned me!

Sam: Something is wrong with that boy. He is like-like me. Curse you, yellow-eyed demon and your nefarious yet still vague evil plans!

Yellow Eyed Demon: Call me Azazel. And as for my 'plan,' it's simple. You and my other "special" children are in a contest. Good luck with that.

Jake: Aw HELL no. I like ya Sam, but not enough to die for you. Take this!

Sam: Thank you? Are you deluded you arrogant SOB? We have to end this deal.

Dean: No can do. I try anything funny, you die.

Mysterious blonde chick with mysterious knife: Hey! I can help! Name's Ruby by the way.

Other mysterious chick with quasi-British accent: And I'm Bela. I shall be here to demonstrate what happens to naughty boys and girls when they ransom their souls to Lilith. I am also here to entertain Tanya.

Dean and Sam: Who the hell is Tanya? Strike that. The better question is Who the hell is Lilith?

Dean (in quiet aside to Ruby): Dude, can you really get me out of this?

Ruby: Um, no. Not really. Plus, you'll become a demon after.

Dean: Well, THAT sucks. I need pie.

Sam: You're in denial, bro.

Dean: I deny that accusation.

Sam: So what you-- hold up. What's that you say? We just got a phone call about Bobby being in a coma?

Random Chick: Lilith is up to her old dirty tricks! Only now, she isn't just gunning for Sam and terrorizing grandfathers. She's breaking all sixty-six seals in an attempt to free Lucifer. Also, I am not random! I am an angel!

Dean: So, come here often?

Ruby: Sam, quick, while everyone else is distracted by subplot, drink some more demon blood.

Dean: Dude! WTF?

Sam: You are not the boss of me.

Entire viewing audience: Argh! We hate when our boys are on the outs.

Dean: Then don't look, it's about to get worse. Sam, if you walk out of here right now-

Sam: Who do you think you are, DAD?

Dean: Castiel? A little help here?

Cass: I really shouldn't, but okay. Who can resist Jensen Ackles?

Mmm, Jensen Ackles. Sorry.

Sam: I've stopped Lilith!

Ruby: And freed our dark lord-bwahahahahahahaha.

Sam: ...Oops.

Dean: FWIW, I still love you. Now haul ass away from the impending evil and maybe we'll figure out how to save our asses by next September's premiere.

Monday, June 22, 2009

I am about to confess something that may shock my fellow Supernatural Sisters...I don't own the SPN DVDs. I know, it's unthinkable, but at roughly $60 a season the cost has always been prohibitive and I am a librarian so I check them out over and over from my library for FREE. (The downside...I usually have to wait on a hold list and the discs are starting to get stratched.) That said, Tanya just clued me into the "Summer TV Sale" that Amazon is having until June 30. Seasons 1-3 are now on sale for just about $20 a piece! If you buy more than one season you'll qualify for FREE shipping. That's cheaper than any Ebay auction you might win. (Trust me I've been looking!) Best of all, for those of you who already own the boxed sets and are merely biding your time waiting for the season 4 release, it's available for pre-order and on sale for $38.99 instead of $59.98 plus the shipping is...wait for it...FREE! (NOTE: This does not apply to Blu-Ray sets.)

Season 4 drops on September 1, giving you ten days to watch it before the premiere of Season 5, and has the following special features (always my fave part):

The gag reel is always a fave, the faces the boys pull at the camera are priceless, but I'm also really looking forward to the mythology feature. How 'bout you?

And, yes, I did order seasons 1-3. Yay! I'm planning to order 4 at the end of the month before the sale ends.

Finally, and on a completely different note, please bow your heads in silence. (HARPER'S ISLAND SPOILER ALERT). I didn't see it coming for awhile, but Jim Beaver died a spectacular death as Sheriff Charlie Mills.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Here’s my next quiz. Send your answers, numbered, to mfechter @ gmail .com by…next Friday, 3 PM CT. This one should be easier than the quotes quiz. I took out the hardest ones ;) Most are early episodes, since, you know, no budget for great music.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Okay, so you won't actually be writing for the show, but I thought it might be fun during our summer off from new episodes to have a fan fiction contest. And what better topic to tackle than your vision of how the first episode of next season will start! So here are the particulars:

* Write your vision of how Episode 1 of next season will start.* Contest runs from today, June 17, until midnight Central Time on July 1.* Max word count = 1,000.* Keep the entries PG rated. Absolutely no Wincest.* E-mail entries in the body of an e-mail to me at trishmilburn AT yahoo DOT com.* Winner will receive a surprise pack of goodies and may have her/his winning entry posted here on Supernatural Sisters. We also may post other, non-winning entries for everyone to enjoy.

~~~And on a different topic -- last week, Terri posted info about a casting call going out for the part of the devil on Supernatural. Regardless if that casting call is true, who do you think would be good in the role? I saw some mentions of David Anders, and I have to say that would be really interesting.

Monday, June 15, 2009

A little while ago, we talked a little bit about the possibility of a season six without Eric Kripke. Many people would rather have no SPN than bad SPN, but I thought there are some things that could be worse:

1. Jared and Jensen in other jobs…that film in Vancouver.

2. Jared on a show like According to Jim.

3. Jensen on a generic crime drama.

4. J&J never get another real gig, just spend all their time traveling around to Supernatural conventions, becoming a better-looking but even more pathetic version of the Galaxy Quest crew.

5. Jensen joins Star Trek. I couldn't imagine Jensen in that world. Then I pictured him in uniform. At attention. And...um...yeah, never mind.

~~~~~~~~Okay, so...I'm not very good at this. That was all I could come up with.

So then I thought, well, I'm in the minority, but I'd be okay with Kripke-less writers and half-hearted stars. I don't think the show would stray too far from what makes it so compelling for me. But what would make the show too horrible to watch?

1. They replace Sam and Dean.

2. They bring back Bela (that's a bone for the Bela-haters--I liked her).

3. The boys decide they're tired of traveling, sell the Impala, and settle down with the 90210 kids.

4. To nail ghosts in a daycare center, they pose as teachers. ... Wait, that could be funny.

5. They do an episode where the "fight" is cringing in an attic spraying fire at bees while the fastest night in history passes.

~~~~~~~~The thing is...

First, we don't get to say "stop now, the show's on top, it can't possibly be as good next year." So that leaves us to either watch it or not. Secondly, we can't know what a season six would be like. What if Sera Gamble gets promoted to showrunner? Doesn't she do much of that already? She oversees the writing and seems to be of like mind with Kripke.

I personally can't cut off my nose to spite my face and say I wouldn't watch it, at least to find out how they do.

I had 2 people with all correct answers: Janglyjewels and Norah Wilson. Since it's my first real day of vacation, I'll give you both a prize. Tell me which of these magnets/stickers you like, send me your snail mail at mfechter @ gmail .com, and I'll get your prize out to you.

Thanks to all who entered! I'll be doing a song/episode quiz in 2 weeks.

Here are the answers, by the way.

"Does anyone have a breath mint? Some guts spilled in my mouth while I was killing my way in here." Jus in Bello

"How many dying wishes are you going to get?" "As many as I can squeeze out." The Kids Are All Right

"Right you're a mind reader. Cut it out Sam. Sam. You think you're funny but you're being really, really childish. Sam Winchester wears makeup. Sam Winchester cries his way through sex. Sam Winchester keeps a ruler by the bed and every morning when he wakes up... okay, enough! Mystery Spot

"What’s the deal with the liquor store? Your parents out of town or something?" Lazarus Rising

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Usually, when I love a show, I have fantasies of walking in a character's shoes. I’ve imagined channeling Veronica’s smart ass savvy, flying with the crew of Serenity (preferably not while they’re being chased by Reavers) and being able to kick bad-guy butt beachside like Michael Westin and Fiona. But I have to say, devoted as I am to Supernatural, I don’t have many moments when I want to be a Winchester. Maybe because their life frequently sucks, maybe because I’ve never enjoyed diner food all that much, or maybe because they tend to go head to head with stuff that scares the crap out of me. I don’t think I’m cut out for their lifestyle, although there was one night—a very long night—when I was twenty that was vaguely Winchesteresque.

My lone sibling and I were road-tripping during a full moon in a hand-me-down vintage car, a journey spurred by Daddy Issues (he had just eloped and we were going to spend a week with the new family).

Okay, technically, it wasn’t so much a “vintage” car as just really, really old with over 100,000 miles. But it was definitely a hand-me-down and we did listen to AC/DC, Bon Jovi and Journey—that part is completely true, I swear. (And although I don’t remember specifically what they were, I’m quite sure we traded many an affectionate insult as we made our way.) We drove all night through several states and got a little slap-happy somewhere around Mississippi. Because this was August and the A/C didn’t work, we had all the windows rolled down. Around 3 in the morning, with the empty road to ourselves, we were coming up on a tree-lined curve in the middle of backwoods nowhere and caught the surprising sounds of what seemed to be a raucous good time—music, voices, laughter, the pavement vibrations of thumping bass that you've experienced if you'd ever walked along Austin's Sixth Street or visited Bourbon Street. As we rounded the curve, the inexplicable club sounds ceased and we passed a building on the left, something that looked like a bar or biker hangout. A long abandoned hangout. No lights, no people or vehicles in the parking lot; it looked as if windows and pieces of the roof might be missing. We were staring befuddled through the trees at the dilapidated roadhouse instead of keeping our gaze on the road when the car jolted from some sort of impact to the front. We both swore quite colorfully and slowed to warily investigate--expecting perhaps a forest animal-- but saw no evidence of anything in the road. Just an eerie stillness and air so muggy it hurt to breathe. It was easily ninety degrees but I was covered in goosebumps. After briefly exchanging puzzled glances, we silently and mutually decided on our course of action—burn rubber and get the hell out of there. We were probably in the next county before we even considered slowing back down to the legal speed limit.

I don’t think I can properly encapsulate the illogical creepiness of that hot, humid summer night and my near terror that I might accidentally glance in the rearview mirror as we sped away (or what I might see if I did) but if I’d owned a cell phone back then and had the Winchester brothers on speed dial, trust me, I would have called them.

So, what about you—what’s the closest you’ve ever come to a Sam and Dean moment?

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

In part 1, I told you about upcoming projects with Katie Cassidy, Genevieve Cortese, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and Samantha Smith. Now I want to hit some highlights among some of our fave SPN guest stars.

Look for Nicki Aycox (Meg) back on the small screen next month in a new summer series. Dark Blue debuts on TNT July 15 and stars Dylan McDermott as the head of an undercover police team so covert their own colleagues don’t know about their involvement. Nicki plays Jaimie, a rookie brought in because of her shady past and incredible lying skills.

In 2010, two SPN sisters will show up in Elektra Luxx, a follow-up to the exploitation anthology by Sebastian Gutierrez. Adrianne Palicki (Jessica) resumes her role as hooker, Holly Rocket, and Traci Diinwiddie (Pam) has a small cameo. Also look for Adrianne opposite a stellar cast in January’s Legion, a thriller about a group of stranded truck stop patrons who find they’re humanity’s last line of defense after a biblical apocalypse when they learn their waitress is pregnant with the messiah.

Watch for Samantha Ferris to play Dr. Patricia Lang in this year’s creepy indie called Grace, which has a desperate mother insisting she carrying her dead child to term. Upon delivery, the baby miraculously returns to life with an appetite for human blood and now her mama has to make the ultimate decision. Samantha will also star opposite of Dolph Lundgren’s (he’s still around?) conflicted hitman/father in Incarus.

We fell in love with Colin Ford as young Sammy, now he’s going to charm the rest of the world when he stars in the live-action tale of Jack and the Beanstalk. Also watch for him in the drama Ticket Out, where he’ll go on the run with his mom to escape his abusive father.

Chad Lindberg made a memorable impression as the mullet genius, Ash, so it’s no wonder he’s got several movies on his slate. In the Gray explores the world of undercover narcotics agents, Once Fallen has the hook, “Getting even can take more then one lifetime” and perhaps most intriguing of all is his involvement in Snow White. (Who do you suppose he'll play?)

No doubt we’ll see Julie McNiven again next season as Angel Anna, but you can also catch her in the indie romcom, Failing Better Now. She stars as a flaky writer who loses her sister’s cat and falls for the aspiring rockstar who joins her on her wild search through the East Village.

Alona Tal (Jo) will stir things up between best friends in the psychological thriller Kalamity.

Charles Malik Whitfield has a number of small roles in upcoming films, but plot details are still undercover except for Notorious, which shows the life and death of rap star, Notorious B.I.G.

And finally, you loved to hate him as Uriel, but how will you feel about Robert Wisdom in the crime thriller The Midnight Man? When an ex-con decides to heist his new employer’s home he’s shocked to learn another criminal has already targeted the place and rigged it with explosives. Hmm, so is he the bad guy or the bad guy?

That’s it except for some recent news Jensen revealed….due to his SPN obligations he did have to turn down the lead role in G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra, a high-octane Tranformers-esque film which is sure to be an August blockbuster with Channing Tatum in his stead. That had to suck, but like Jensen said, he’s in this for the long haul and other things will come along.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Okay, I'm a teacher on vacation, so I'm missing giving tests. So I made a quiz of Supernatural quotes for you. There will be a prize, probably some sticker or magnet or mug or something from Cafe Press. I'll decide Friday when I pick the winner, which will be the person with the most right answers. You need to number and write the name of the episode. And make sure you put your heading at the top of the paper....oh, wait, that's my class, not y'all. Just the number of the quote and the episode title, please. In case of a tie, I'll draw a name.

Hint: No quotes from Season One are here, and only a few from Season Four.

1)"Does anyone have a breath mint? Some guts spilled in my mouth while I was killing my way in here."

2)"How many dying wishes are you going to get?" "As many as I can squeeze out."

3) "Right you're a mind reader. Cut it out Sam. Sam. You think you're funny but you're being really, really childish. Sam Winchester wears makeup. Sam Winchester cries his way through sex. Sam Winchester keeps a ruler by the bed and every morning when he wakes up... okay, enough!

4)"What’s the deal with the liquor store? Your parents out of town or something?"

5) "You fudgin' touch me again, I'll fudgin' kill you!"

6) "You're piercing the veil, Dean, glimpsing the "b" side." "Little less New Agey, please." "You're almost hell's bitch, so you can see hell's other bitches."

7) “A couple of severed heads and a pile of dead cows and you’re Mr. Sunshine.”

8) “Are you kidding me? I have her bestest friend in the whole wide world.”

9)“Come on! We’re not demons!”

10)“Go find some hoodoo priest to lay some mojo on me.”

11) “Okay, Sparky. And you know what? After we kill it, we can go to Disneyland.”

Friday, June 5, 2009

I recently saw an article talking about how they might make a new Buffy the Vampire Slayer movie -- but it wouldn't be based on the TV show and it wouldn't star Sarah-Michelle Geller. That just seemed...wrong. I know Kristy Swanson played Buffy first, in the original movie, but to me Sarah-Michelle will always "be" Buffy.

Same goes with many other characters. Captain Malcolm Reynolds could never be anyone other than Nathan Fillion; James Marsters is Spike; and Jared and Jensen are as much Winchester as they are Padalecki and Ackles.

But what if for some reason Jared and Jensen hadn't gotten those roles? If you absolutely had to recast the Winchester brothers, who could you envision doing it? I know it's next to impossible bordering on sacrilege, but I'm curious if anyone can come up with alternate names. Or, if it's easier, think of it this way -- if they were going to cast two actors to do a Broadway version of the show, who could it possibly be?

Thursday, June 4, 2009

I don't deny for a moment that Supernatural is a male-dominated show--from its lead actors to its most frequent recurring guest (Jim Beaver's wonderful portrayal of Bobby) to its props (a classic car belting rock and lots and lots of weaponry). Still, while I've heard a few fans complain about a lack of women on the show (or other complaints about how the female characters on the show are actually used), I don't really agree. I decided to look at, on a season by season basis, the female characters seen most frequently. (So, obviously, random spoilers abound.)

In the first season, the most prevalent female influences seemed to be Mary Winchester, Sam's girlfriend Jess, and Meg (girl possessed by a demon). In a way, all three of these women were victims, but I view Mary and Jess as far more than that--they were major catalysts to the story. They were the people important enough to Sam and Dean (and John) to galvanize the men into action and propel us into season 1 (the hunt for the yellow-eyed demon). And Meg does play a major part in the yellow-eyed demon subplot. Plus, Mary is allowed to kick a little butt even from the beyond and we find out in later seasons that she has a butt-kicking legacy.

In season 2, the main female recurring roles were that of mother-daughter duo Jo and Ellen Harvelle. Frankly, I liked both of them a lot, especially Ellen. I never saw Jo as a romantic possibility for either boy because the dynamic seemed to be more of a...maybe no little sister, but definitely younger tagalong tomboy cousin who just wants to go camping and fishing with the older cool boys (or, in this case, demon hunting. Potato, potahto.) I also thought that both actresses did all right with the material written, although Ellen was my favorite. Just as Bobby usually fills a paternal role on the show, Ellen added a maternal element.

In season 3, of course, we met Ruby and Bela. I've blogged before about the fact that I liked Bela, but the juxtaposition of these two women seemed to be more thematic contrast than character-specific. The boys generally fight demons (things which are inhuman and often evil). So to mix things up a bit in this season, we got a human with a loose moral code and a demon who seemed determined to help. When Bela was taken by hellhounds, it upped the dramatic ante, foreshadowing Dean's own doom to hell. (And I actually liked Katie Cassidy's Ruby...although that changed in season 4 not only because of the actress but because of Ruby's evolving storyline.) It was also in season 3, that Lilith as the big bad began to emerge. (All right, yes, technically, Lucifer is bigger and badder, but as Lilith is the entity working to free him, she is our more pressing concern.)

In season 4, we again have Ruby (who seems more and more a questionable source of assistance, although getting herself tortured to aid the boys was somewhat convincing.) And Lilith becomes an even MORE pressing concern, now that she's breaking seals willy-nilly. In addition to the two male angels who appear throughout the season, we also meet Anna, a deliberately "fallen" angel who regains her winged status, goes at it with Dean in the back of the Impala (but not in that order), saves Castiel's butt in a tense moment, and later chastises him for being on the wrong side.

All in all, I think there have been just as many important recurring female characters as their have been regular male characters (not counting Sam and Dean themselves, as everyone takes a backseat there). Which female characters were your favorite or least favorite? Who do you wish we'd seen more of and what kind of recurring roles do you envision for next season?

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Will get my "official" post up later, but I was just wondering how many of you have seen this rumor in today's entertainment news? (Scroll down to the pertinent question and answer.) Do you guys think it will happen? What are your opinions?

I'm torn. Part of me was dreading by SPN-less future after next year, but I do think shows end better with a fixed end date. Also, I'm currently lamenting the rumored Buffy movie that doesn't include creator/writer Whedon, and I have to say I think Kripke is a major part of what makes SPN wonderful. So, torn.

Monday, June 1, 2009

We probably know Todd Stashwick best as the Dracula-costumed shapeshifter in the Supernatural episode "Monster Movie." ("But wait...I have a coupon" is among my favorite lines of the series!) But I think the phrase "the hardest-working actor in Hollywood" was coined for him. Check out his IMDb page to see what I mean!

I was one of the lucky attendees at the New Jersey Salute to Supernatural convention in March who got to meet him briefly, and he not only graciously consented to an interview, he immediately responded when I contacted him on Facebook. Without further ado, here's Todd Stashwick!

First, I've been ordered to ask you HOW you prepare for the Zombpocalypse? (Thanks to fan/reader Megan Hart for the question :) )

Have an exit strategy, get the higher ground, aim for the head.

Photo used with permission by Todd Stashwick

For someone so young, you've accomplished quite a lot. You started in Second City and went from improv to television and film. Did you have a plan from the beginning, or did you just take each thing as the opportunity arose?

Wow, I like how 40 is now considered "young"!

I did have a plan, Second city was a training ground and a key to unlock opportunities. It has. Much of my career has been spent welcoming surprises but there is an underlying world domination plot.

You've been on a LOT of different kinds of television shows. What kind is your favorite? And of all you do (stage, TV, film, etc.), what do you like best?

Sounds like a cop-out but each have their own merit. Half hour sitcoms are breezy easy and fun. Stuff like The Riches is heavy lifting and guest star roles are always different without the responsibility of having to carry the show. It's all interesting. By and large, though, I'm in my element when improvising live in front of an audience in a theater. I'm stage creature.

Some of your past roles include the shows Enterprise, Buffy, and Angel, shows that have a similar cult following to the one surrounding Supernatural. Had you had any experience or familiarity with conventions before the March 8 Salute to Supernatural?

Never did a convention.

Did you have any idea what to expect?

Kind of. I've attended some as a fan (Star wars 30th)

How did you find the event?

I had a great time. Everyone was very kind. Also being a sci-fi fan myself, it was fun to geek it up with everyone.

Had you ever anticipated such adoration based on a one-episode guest role?

You never anticipate anything. You go to work for a week. Have a good time with some talented folks. Hopefully do your best and go home. Then a few months later your little job gets blasted out onto the airwaves. At the time we knew that this episode would be unique and the role I had was uncommon for the show, but to anticipate being invited to speak about it? Never. It's been a hoot.

What was the best part of being on Supernatural?

Getting to play the part. Getting to play with those guys and that crew. It was the highlight of last year acting-wise.

Letting Go was an independent feature shot in L.A. I played the power-hungry media exec boss to the lead. It's a comedy. My role is small but featured. They were able to fit me in while I was shooting Surfer Dude. Not sure of the release date on that one.

Friendship is an independent comedy about a German guy and his friend going across America to find his father right after the fall of the Berlin Wall. I play Darryl, a stoner cartoonist that they hitch a ride with. I shot in New Mexico and New York. It premiers in Berlin in Nov.

Do you have any other upcoming TV roles we should watch out for?

I just wrapped a couple episodes of Curb Your Enthusiasm. That doesn't air till October. The Riches Season 2 is out on DVD.

It's a fake Doc. about a network exec (Eva Mendes) that creates a Russian Roulette Reality game show. It's a pretty dark comedy. I'm part of Eva's development team for the show. I'm not sure of the American release of that. It premiered at the Tribeca film fest.

Thank you very much, Todd, for taking the time to do this interview for us!